Water separating arrangement in a vehicle air intake

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a water separating arrangement in a vehicle air intake intended for mounting between a source of ambient air and an air filter unit. The water separating arrangement (101; 201; 301) comprises a first water separator (110; 210; 310) having a horizontal air intake section (212; 312) and a first water separating section (211; 311), which first water separating section is arranged at least partially surrounding an outer portion of the air intake section (212; 312). The water separating arrangement (101; 201; 301) further comprises a second water separator (120; 220; 320) comprising a housing (221; 321) with an air inlet (223; 323) connected to the air intake section (212; 312); an air outlet (224; 324) connected to an air outlet section (229; 329); wherein the second water separator is arranged to redirect the flow of ambient air over an angle of at least 80°.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a water separating arrangement in a vehicle airintake, which water separating arrangement comprises a first and asecond water separating section.

The invention relates to a water separating arrangement in a vehicle airintake, which water separating arrangement comprises a first and asecond water separating section.

The invention can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks,articulated trucks, buses and construction equipment, which vehicles maybe manned or unmanned. Although the invention will be described withrespect to a heavy-duty vehicle, the invention is not restricted to thisparticular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles such asarticulated haulers, wheel loaders, and other working machines.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles in general are as a rule provided with air intake arrangementsfor ambient air, which air can be used as combustion or ventilation air.The quality of the air can be dependent on current weather conditions,in particular on water droplet content during wet and windy conditions.It is desirable to eliminate water droplets in the air intake, to avoidentrained water from reaching air filters provided for the engine and/orventilation. Water droplets in intake air can disturb or even damage airflow sensors and can also damage filter cartridges in air intakeconduits.

Current solutions are often based on intake boxes having large volumesin order to decrease the air velocity, allowing water/dust to separatefrom the air flow due to gravity. This can be achieved by reducing theair speed below 4 m/s, which would allow water droplets to fall out ofthe airstream. However, large volume boxes require large installationspace which can be hard to achieve in many installations. In addition,the box surfaces are often large and flat which can cause resonancenoise in the vehicle interior. It is also known to use fixed propellersor fins placed in the intake conduits. Such solutions will causepressure losses, which is detrimental to the flow of air through intakeconduits in which, depending on the configuration of the air intake, theair velocity can at times reach 30-40 m/s. Furthermore, the addition ofhelices or fins complicates the structure and manufacture of the intakeconduits and increases the cost.

FR2857058A discloses a solution for eliminating water droplets in theair intake conduits of an internal combustion engine. This arrangementcomprises an air inlet pipe having a bend towards a downstream end wherea water recuperation hole is provided. The hole traverses a wall of theair inlet pipe. An annular shoulder is arranged at the interior of thewall, towards the downstream end. The hole is pierced at a lower pointof the shoulder. The hole communicates with a resonator that forms awater sedimentation casing. A disadvantage of this solution is that itis not suitable for handling a sudden influx of water, which wouldsimply flow over the shoulder and into the air intake. Further, it isnot suitable for handling water droplets/spray entrained in the air flowthat bypasses the shoulder.

Hence it is desirable to provide an improved water separatingarrangement for removing water and spray from intake air in order toovercome the above problems.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide a water separating arrangement,which water separating arrangement is described in the appended claims.

Relative directions referred to in the text, such as “horizontal”,“vertical”, “inlet”, “outlet”, “upstream” and “downstream”, are used toindicate the location and relative positioning of component parts whenthe water separating arrangement is arranged in its operative position.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved bya water separating arrangement in a vehicle engine air intake mountedbetween a source of air and an engine air filter unit. The waterseparating arrangement is intended for mounting between a source ofambient air and an engine air filter unit, wherein ambient air is drawnthrough an inlet into an air supply conduit into the water separatingarrangement. The inlet can be an opening in the vehicle body, such as agrille or a similar device, or an air intake unit extending out of thevehicle body. The opening can be protected by a water deflecting devicesuch as a grille, a mesh or other suitable means to prevent ingress ofwater directly into the air supply conduit. Such devices are commonlyused in vehicles and are not part of the invention as such. The airsupply conduit can be a flexible hose or a similar suitable conduit thatcan be connected to the water separating arrangement using a suitableclamping means, such as a hose clamp or a similar connecting device. Asuitable flexible conduit can, for example, be a PVC or CR hosereinforced with a spring steel wire helix. Alternative air supplyconduits can comprise a tubular component with one or more resilientconnecting devices to allow relative movement between at least the airsupply conduit and the water separating arrangement.

The water separating arrangement according to the invention comprises anair intake section, which air intake section is arranged to receive aflow of air. A first water separating section is arranged to surround atleast the lower half of a closed circumference of an outer portion ofthe air intake section. The first water separating section can bearranged to surround up to and including the entire closed circumferenceof the outer portion of the air intake section. The air intake sectionhas a free outer portion that is arranged to extend a predetermineddistance upstream and has a smaller cross-section than the surroundingfirst water separating section. The cross-sectional shapes of the airintake section and the first water separating section are preferably thesame, e.g. tubular, or at least similar in the overlapping region. Iftubular sections are used, then the relative diameters of the free outerportion of the air intake section and the first water separating sectionare selected so that water flowing along the walls of the air supplyconduit into the first water separator can flow into the first waterseparating section without contacting or flowing into the free outerportion of the air intake section. The first water separating sectioncan in turn be connected to the air intake section downstream of thefree outer portion. This creates an annular or part annular space forcollecting water that has left the flow of air and settled on theinternal wall of the supply conduit before reaching the first waterseparating section. The water collecting portion is arranged in a lowerpart of the annular or part annular space separating the free outerportion of the air intake section and the surrounding first waterseparating section. The first water separating section is in turnconnected to the supply conduit supplying ambient air from the inlet.This connection can be permanent or detachable but should prevent waterfrom leaking past the connection. The space for collecting water isconnected to a draining means leading collected water away from thefirst water separating section. The draining means can be arranged inthe first water separating section in the vicinity of and below the freeouter portion of the air intake section.

In this way, the first water separating section can remove a substantialamount of the water reaching the water separating arrangement, inparticular water drawn by the flow of ambient air towards the waterseparating arrangement along the inner wall of the air supply conduit.However, water in the form of spray or mist carried by the flow ofambient air itself will bypass the first water separating section andreach the housing. In order to remove water spray carried by the airflow, a second water separating section is provided.

The water separating arrangement also comprises an air outlet section,which air outlet section is arranged separated from the air intakesection to supply air to the air filter unit. A second water separatingsection located between the air intake section and the air outletsection, which second water separating section comprises a housing. Thehousing comprises a first wall section with an air inlet connected tothe air intake section and which air inlet is arranged to direct the airflow into the housing along a first axis. The first axis is preferablyarranged to coincide with the central axis of the air inlet at the pointof entry into the housing. The point of entry is defined as the positionwhere the first central axis intersects the first wall section. Thehousing further comprises a second wall section with an air outletconnected to the air outlet section and which air outlet is arranged todirect the air flow out of the housing along a second axis. The secondaxis is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of airoutlet at the point of exit out of the housing. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis intersects thesecond wall section. The first wall section and the second wall sectionare joined along a straight line, which line is preferably arranged atright angles to a plane coinciding with the first and second axes. Thefirst axis and the second axis can be located angled relative to eachother to re-direct the air flow direction between the air inlet and theair outlet over an angle of at least 80°. This angle is measured in aplane coinciding with and containing both the first and second axes. There-direction of the air flow direction allows the second waterseparating section to use the centrifugal force to remove water dropletsfrom the air flow. Due to the differences in density and momentumbetween the flowing air and the water contained therein, water spraycarried by the flow of ambient air will impinge on and adhere to theinternal walls of the housing and gravitate towards a draining means ina lower portion of the housing. The combined effect of the first andsecond water separating sections allows for more than 80-90% of thewater to be removed.

According to a further example, the water separating arrangementcomprises a first axis and a second axis located angled relative to eachother to re-direct the air flow direction between the air inlet and theair outlet over an angle up to and including 200°. The invention may beoperable outside the range of 80° to 200°, but lower angles willincrease the amount of water retained in the air stream and high angleswill cause an undesirable increase in flow resistance.

According to a further example, the re-direction of the air flowdirection between the air inlet and the air outlet can be achieved byarranging the first wall section at an angle relative to the second wallsection, which angle is selected in the range from 80° to 200°. Theangle is measured between planes coinciding with internal surfaces ofthe first wall section and the second wall section, about the line ofintersection of the planes. The line of intersection is the line whichis perpendicular to the normal of both the given planes, which in thiscase is the line joining the first wall section and the second wallsection

According to one example, each of the first axis and the second axis arelocated at right angles to a plane coinciding with their respectivefirst wall section and second wall section. Alternatively, one or bothof the first axis and the second axis are located at an angle to a planecoinciding with their respective first wall section and second wallsection. This angle is measured between the first axis or the secondaxis and a normal to a plane coinciding with their respective first wallsection and second wall section, in a plane coinciding with both thefirst axis and the second axis.

Consequently, it is possible to re-direct the air flow direction betweenthe air inlet and the air outlet over the above-mentioned range of 80°to 200° by selecting a desired angle between the first and second wallsections, by selecting a desired angle for the first and/or second axesrelative their respective wall sections, or by a combination of theabove.

According to a further example, the air inlet and the air outlet areconnected to the housing at vertically separated locations. According toone example, the air inlet is connected to the housing at a locationabove the air outlet. The opposite arrangement is also possible, whereinthe air outlet is connected to the housing at a location above the airinlet. Alternatively, the air outlet and the air inlet are connected tothe housing at the same horizontal level.

According to the invention, the housing further comprises a curved wallsection facing the air inlet and the air outlet and connecting oppositeends of the first wall section and the second wall section. The oppositeends of the first wall section and the second wall section are locatedremote from the line joining the first wall section and the second wallsection. A cross-section of the curved wall section, taken in a plane atright angles to the first and second wall sections, can have apart-circular shape, a D-shape, have the shape of a partial Fibonaccispiral, or a similar suitable curved shape. The housing also comprises apair of facing side wall sections connecting the first wall section, thesecond wall section and the curved wall section. The facing side wallsections can be parallel or angled relative to each other, e.g.,converging or diverging in the general direction of the first and secondwall sections. The width of the housing can be measured at right anglesto a plane containing the first and the second axes, between the innerwalls of the side wall sections. The minimum distance between the sidewall sections adjacent the air inlet is at least equal to the innerdiameter of the air inlet. This arrangement reduces the pressure lossesat the entrance to the housing, which is detrimental to the flow of airthrough intake conduits. The minimum distance between the side wallsections adjacent the air outlet is preferably greater than the innerdiameter of the air outlet. This minimum distance can be at least 10%,alternatively up to 50%, of the inner diameter of the air outlet. Thisarrangement provides an edge, or barrier, between the side walls and thesecond wall section in order to prevent water adhering to the side wallsections from being drawn into the air outlet.

The second water separating section has a water collecting portionarranged in a lower part of the housing. The water collecting portion ispreferably arranged in the lowermost part of the housing and extends apredetermined vertical distance below the air inlet and/or the airoutlet. If the air inlet and the air outlet are vertically separated,then the water collecting portion can be accommodated in the lower partof the curved wall section. If the air inlet and the air outlet arelevel in a horizontal plane, then the water collecting portion can beaccommodated in the lower one of the two side wall sections. Thisvertical separation is particularly advantageous between the watercollecting portion and the air outlet, as it assists in avoidingdeposited water from being drawn out of the housing by the flowingintake air.

According to a further example, the cross-sectional area of the airoutlet section can be equal to or greater than the cross-sectional areaof the air inlet section. After passing through the first and secondwater separating sections, the air flow leaves the housing through thelower air outlet and the air outlet section. The cross-sectional area ofthe lower air outlet can be at least equal to, or greater than thecross-sectional area of the upper air inlet. By selecting a greatercross-sectional area for the lower air outlet, the flow velocity will bemarginally lower at the outlet, which can increase turbulence and thechances of water spray and droplets adhering to the housing. An increasein the cross-section of the housing relative to at least the outlet cancause a further reduction of air velocity. For instance, if the airintake section leading into the housing and the air outlet sectionleaving the housing are circular, then the diameter of the air outletsection would be equal to or greater that the diameter of the air intakesection. Further, the edges of the opening of at least the air outletcan be laterally separated from the facing side wall sections. Thisprevents any water adhering to the walls of the housing from being drawnout through the air outlet.

According to a further example, the air intake section can comprise acurved conduit immediately upstream of the first water separatingsection. The curved conduit can for instance comprise a conduit sectionwith a 90° bend attached directly to the first water separating section.Depending on the configuration of the air inlet relative to the housing,this arrangement can form an additional part of first water separatingstage. At least a portion of the water droplets carried by the intakeair can be directed towards a surface along the radially outer internalsurface of the curved conduit. Water droplets striking and adhering tothe inner surface of the curved conduit allows additional water to betrapped by the first water separating section.

According to a further example, the air outlet section can comprise acurved conduit immediately downstream of the air outlet. The curvedconduit can for instance comprise a conduit section with a 90° bendattached directly to the outlet from the second water separatingsection. Depending on the configuration of the air outlet relative tothe housing, this arrangement can form an additional part of the secondwater separating stage. With the outlet positioned at an upper part ofthe housing, at least a portion of the remaining water droplets carriedby the outlet air can be directed towards a surface along the radiallyouter internal surface of the curved conduit. Water droplets strikingand adhering to the inner surface of the curved conduit can allowadditional water to trickle back into and be captured by the secondwater separating section.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object of theinvention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a water separatingarrangement as described above.

Advantages of the current invention are that the water separatingarrangement can be made smaller and more compact. This facilitates thefitting of the water separating arrangement into the engine room. Therelatively small size allows the water separating arrangement to belocated in a position underneath an insulated floor line in a commercialvehicle, such as a bus or a truck. This location minimizes the interiornoise level.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention aredisclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detaileddescription of embodiments of the invention cited as examples. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic vehicle provided with a water separatingarrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a schematic exploded view of a water separatingarrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view through the water separatingarrangement in

FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic exploded view of a water separatingarrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view through a water separatingarrangement according to in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A-D show examples of second water separating sections with theirrespective first and second wall sections arranged at various angles;

FIG. 5A-D show examples of second water separating sections with theirrespective air inlet and air outlet arranged at various angles;

FIG. 6A-B show examples of second water separating sections withcombinations of angled wall sections and angled air inlets, air outlets;

FIG. 7A-B show examples of second water separating sections withcombinations of angled wall sections and lower angled air inlets or airoutlets; and

FIG. 8A-B show an example of a second water separating section with anair inlet and an air outlet located in a horizontal plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic vehicle 100 provided with a water separatingarrangement 101 according to the invention. In this example, FIG. 1shows a rear view of a bus 100 in which the water separating arrangement101 is mounted. In the example, ambient air is drawn through an inlet102, in the form of a grille or a similar device, into a first airsupply conduit 103. The first air supply conduit 103 can be a flexiblehose or a similar suitable conduit that can be connected to the waterseparating arrangement 101. A suitable flexible conduit can, forexample, be a PVC hose reinforced with a spring steel wire helix. Asecond air supply conduit 104 is provided downstream of the waterseparating arrangement 101, connecting the water separating arrangement101 to an air filter unit 105. The air filter unit 105 can supply airto, for instance, an engine 106 or an air conditioning unit (not shown).

The purpose of the water separating arrangement 101 is to remove as muchwater as possible from the ambient air drawn through the inlet 102. Thewater reaching the water separating arrangement 101 can be rain water orwater spray striking the inlet directly or water running down thechassis past the inlet. The water separating arrangement 101 comprises afirst water separator 110 and a second water separator 120, which willbe described in further detail below.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic exploded view of a water separatingarrangement 201 according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG.2A shows a water separating arrangement 201, comprising a first waterseparator 210 and a second water separator 220, for mounting between asource of ambient air and an engine air filter unit in a vehicle, asshown in FIG. 1. The water separating arrangement 201 is connectable toan inlet (see FIG. 1) by a first air supply conduit 203 and to an engineair filter unit 205 by a second air supply conduit 204. The first airsupply conduit 203 is connected to a first water separating section 211of the first water separator 210 using a suitable clamping means 230,such as a hose clamp. Similarly, one end of the second air supplyconduit 204 is connected to an air outlet section 229 of the waterseparating arrangement 201 using one clamping means 240. The other endof the second air supply conduit 204 is connected to the air filter unit205 using a further clamping means 250.

The first water separator 210 comprises an outer, first water separatingsection 211 and an inner air intake section 212. The first waterseparating section 211 is connected to the air intake section 212, whichhas a free end 213 extending a predetermined distance into the firstwater separating section 211 in the upstream direction of the air flowF. In this example the first water separating section 211 and the airintake section 212 both comprise concentric tubular components. A firstwater draining means 214 is provided in the lower portion of the firstwater separating section 211, which first water draining means 214 islocated adjacent and below the free end 213 of the air intake section212.

The air intake section 212 is joined to a housing 221 that is part ofthe second water separator 220. The housing 221 comprises a first wallsection 222 comprising an air inlet 223 and a second wall section 219comprising an air outlet 224. In this embodiment, the first wall section222 and the second wall section 219 are joined along a common, adjoiningedge and are arranged at right angles to each other. A curved wall 225,having a corresponding curved internal guide surface (see FIG. 2B)connects the edges of the first wall section 222 and the second wallsection 219 remote from the adjoining edge. The housing is delimited bytwo facing side walls 226, 227 (one visible in FIG. 2A) connecting therespective side edges of the first and second wall sections 222, 219with the curved wall 225 and its internal guide surface. The air flow Fis directed from first air supply conduit 203 through the air intakesection 212 and the air inlet 223 into the housing 221. The housing hasa substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical plane coincidingwith the central axis A1 of the air flow through the air intake section212 and the central axis A2 of the air outlet section 229 where therespective axes A1, A2 join the housing 221. The first axis A1 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of the air inlet223 at the point of entry into the housing 221. The point of entry isdefined as the position where the first central axis A1 intersects thefirst wall section 222. The second axis A2 is preferably arranged tocoincide with the central axis of air outlet 224 at the point of exitout of the housing 221. The point of exit is defined as the positionwhere the second central axis A2 intersects the second wall section 219.

The D-shaped cross-section allows the internal guide surface to redirecta part of the flow of ambient air in excess of 90° from the air inlet223 towards the air outlet 224. A major part of the airflow will in factbe drawn from the inlet to the outlet without reaching the internalguide surface, causing water droplets to be thrown clear of the air flowas it turns. A second water separating section 228 is arranged in thelower portion of the internal guide surface (see FIG. 2B) of the housing221 below the air inlet 223. The lower portion of the internal guidesurface has a mainly planar cross-section in a vertical plane at rightangles to the respective axes A1, A2 of the air flow through the airinlet 223 and the air outlet 224. The second water separating section228 comprises a transverse channel formed by the lower portion of theinternal guide surface and a lower portion (see FIG. 2B; “230”) of thefirst wall section 222. The first wall section 222 extends below theopening of the air inlet 223, allowing water to be collected in thetransverse channel. Water is drained through a hose 216 connected to thefirst water draining means 214 towards the lower portion of the secondwater separating section 228, from where it is evacuated or drained viaa drainage valve (not shown) connected to a drainage hole (not shown) inthe lower portion of the second water separating section. The air flow Fis directed out of the housing 221 through the air outlet 224 and intothe air outlet section 229, which air outlet section 229 is arranged tosupply ambient air to the air filter unit 205. In this example the airoutlet section 229 comprises a tube section with a 90° bend between avertical inlet and a horizontal outlet. Alternatively, the air outletsection can comprise a straight section, wherein the air outlet section229 can be connected directly to the air filter using a flexible hose orsimilar conduit. The function of the water separating arrangement willbe described in connection with FIG. 2B below.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional side view through a water separatingarrangement according to the first embodiment of invention. Thecross-section is taken in a vertical plane through the arrangement shownin FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2A, a first water separator 210 comprisesan outer, first water separating section 211 and an inner air intakesection 212. The first water separating section 211 is connected to theair intake section 212, which has a free end 213 extending apredetermined distance into the first water separating section 211 inthe upstream direction of the air flow F. In this example, the firstwater separating section 211 and the air intake section 212 bothcomprise concentric tubular components. A water draining means 214 isprovided in the lower portion of the first water separating section 211,which water draining means 214 is located adjacent and below the freeend 213 of the air intake section 212. Water is drained through a hose216 from the water draining means 214 towards a second water separatingsection 228, to be described below, to be removed from the waterseparating arrangement.

The relative diameters D1, D2 of the free outer portions of the airintake section 212 and the first water separating section 211,respectively, are selected so that water flowing along the walls of theair supply conduit (see FIG. 2A; “203”) into the first water separator210 can flow into the first water separating section 211 withoutcontacting or overflowing into the free outer portion 213 of the airintake section 212. The first water separating section 211 ispermanently or detachably connected to the air intake section 212downstream of the free outer portion 213. A connecting joint 215prevents water from leaking past the connection, so that water reachingthe water separating arrangement by following the walls of the airsupply conduit will collect in the lower portion of first waterseparating section 211.

The air intake section 212 is joined to a housing 221 that is part ofthe second water separator 220. The housing 221 comprises a first wallsection 222 comprising an air inlet 223 and a second wall section 219comprising an air outlet 224. In this embodiment, the first wall section222 and the second wall section 219 are joined along a common, adjoiningedge and are arranged at right angles to each other. A curved wall 225,having a corresponding curved internal guide surface 205, connects theedges of the first wall section 222 and the second wall section 219remote from the adjoining edge. The housing is delimited by two facingside walls 226, 227 (only “227” visible in FIG. 3) connecting therespective side edges of the first wall section 222 and the second wallsection 219 with the curved wall 225 and its internal guide surface 205.The air flow F is directed from first air supply conduit (see FIG. 2A;“203”) through the air intake section 212 and the air inlet 223 into thehousing 221. The housing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in avertical plane coinciding with the central axes A1, A2 of the air flowthrough the air intake section 212 and the air outlet section 229 wherethey join the housing 221. The D-shaped cross-section allows theinternal guide surface 205 to redirect a part of the flow of ambient airover an angle α of 90° from the upper air inlet 223 towards the lowerair outlet 224. A major part of the airflow will in fact be drawn fromthe inlet to the outlet without reaching the internal guide surface,causing water droplets to be thrown clear of the air flow as it turns. Asecond water separating section 228 is arranged in at a lower portion207 of the internal guide surface 205 of the housing 221 below the airinlet 223. The lower portion 207 of the internal guide surface has amainly planar cross-section in a vertical plane coinciding with thecentral axes of the air flow through the air intake section 212 and theair outlet section 229 where they join the housing 221. The second waterseparating section 228 comprises a draining means 231 in the form of atransverse channel or volume formed by the lower portion 207 of theinternal guide surface 205 and a lower portion 230 of the first wallsection 222. The first wall section 222 extends below the opening of theair inlet 223, allowing water to be collected in the transverse drainingmeans 231. Water can be removed from the water separating arrangementthrough a drainage hole 232 (indicated in dashed lines), which in thisexample is located in the lower portion 207 of the internal guidesurface 205 of the housing. Alternatively, water can be removed from thewater separating arrangement through a drain 232 a (shown in dashedlines), which in this example is located in the side wall 226. The airflow F is directed from the housing 221 through the air outlet 224 andinto the air outlet section 229, which air outlet section 229 isarranged to supply ambient air to the air filter unit (see FIG. 2A;“205”). In this example the air outlet section 229 comprises a tubesection with a 90° bend between a vertical inlet and a horizontaloutlet. Alternatively, the air outlet section can comprise a straightsection. The air outlet section 229, having a diameter D3 where itleaves the housing 221, can be connected directly to the air filterusing a flexible hose or similar conduit. The air outlet section 229diameter D3 is equal to or greater that the diameter D1 of the airintake section 212. The water separating arrangement 201 is attached tothe vehicle at a number of attachment points 233, 234 (two shown).

In operation, the air flow from the inlet will enter the first waterseparator 210, wherein water flowing along the walls of the air supplyconduit into the first water separator 210 can be removed. The air flowfrom the first water separator 210 will enter the second water separator220 through the air inlet 223 into the housing 221. Water spray carriedby the flow of ambient air will impinge on and adhere to the internalguide surface 205 and, to a certain extent to the facing side walls 226,227 of the housing 221. Deposited water spray and droplets will flowdownwards along the walls of the housing 221 towards the draining means231. An advantage of this arrangement is that the redirection of the airflow will cause the relatively heavier water droplets carried by the airflow to be thrown outwards by the centrifugal force and impinge on theinternal guide surface 205. In this example, the air inlet is positionedbelow the air outlet, which allows the centrifugal force on the waterdroplets to be assisted by the gravitational force.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic exploded view of a water separatingarrangement 301 according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG.3A shows a water separating arrangement 301, comprising a first waterseparator 310 and a second water separator 320, for mounting between asource of ambient air and an air filter unit in a vehicle, as shown inFIG. 1. The water separating arrangement 301 is connectable to an inlet(see FIG. 1) by a first air supply conduit 303 and to an air filter unit305 by a second air supply conduit 304. The first air supply conduit 303is connected to an outer, first water separating section 311 of thefirst water separator 310 using a suitable clamping means 330, such as ahose clamp. Similarly, one end of the second air supply conduit 304 isconnected to an air outlet section 329 of the water separatingarrangement 301 using one clamping means 340. The other end of thesecond air supply conduit 304 is connected to the air filter unit 305using a further clamping means 350.

The first water separator 310 comprises an outer, first water separatingsection 311 and an inner air intake section 312. The first waterseparating section 311 is connected to the air intake section 312, whichhas a free end 313 extending a predetermined distance into the firstwater separating section 311 in the upstream direction of the air flowF. In this example the first water separating section 311 and the airintake section 312 both comprise concentric tubular components. A waterdraining means 314 is provided in the lower portion of the first waterseparating section 311, which water draining means 314 is locatedadjacent and below the free end 313 of the air intake section 312.

The air intake section 312 is joined to a housing 321 that is part ofthe second water separator 320. The housing 321 comprises a first wallsection 322 comprising an upper air inlet 323 and a second wall section319 comprising a lower air outlet 324. In this example, the first wallsection 322 and the second wall section 319 form a continuous straightwall. A curved wall 325, having a corresponding curved internal guidesurface (see FIG. 3B) connects the top and bottom edges of the combinedfirst and second wall sections 322, 319. The housing 321 is delimited bytwo facing side walls 326, 327 (one visible in FIG. 3A) connecting therespective side edges of the first wall section 322 with the curved wall325 and its internal guide surface. The air flow F is directed fromfirst air supply conduit 303 through the air intake section 312 and theupper air inlet 323 into the housing 321. The housing has asubstantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical plane coinciding withthe central axis A1 of the air flow through the air intake section 312and the central axis A2 of the air outlet section 329 where therespective axes A1, A2 join the housing 321. The first axis A1 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of the air inlet323 at the point of entry into the housing 321. The point of entry isdefined as the position where the first central axis A1 intersects thefirst wall section 322. The second axis A2 is preferably arranged tocoincide with the central axis of air outlet 324 at the point of exitout of the housing 321. The point of exit is defined as the positionwhere the second central axis A2 intersects the second wall section 319.

The D-shaped cross-section allows the internal guide surface to redirecta part of the flow of ambient air 180° from the upper air inlet 323towards the lower air outlet 324. A major part of the airflow will infact be drawn from the inlet to the outlet without reaching the internalguide surface, causing water droplets to be thrown clear of the air flowas it turns. A second water separating section 328 is arranged in thelower portion of the internal guide surface (see FIG. 3B) of the housing321 below the lower air outlet 324. The lower portion of the internalguide surface has a mainly planar cross-section in a vertical plane atright angles to the air flow through the lower air outlet 324. Thesecond water separating section 328 comprises a transverse channelformed by the lower portion of the internal guide surface and a lowerportion (see FIG. 3B; “330”) of the first wall section 322. The firstwall section 322 extends a predetermined distance (see FIG. 3B; “X₂”)below the opening of the lower air outlet 324, allowing water to becollected in the transverse channel. Water is drained through a hose 316connected to the water draining means 314 towards a lower portion of thesecond water separating section 328, from where it is evacuated/drainedvia a drainage valve (not shown) connected to a drainage hole (see FIG.4B; “332”) in the lower portion of the second water separating section.The air flow F is directed from the housing 321 through the lower airoutlet 324 and into the air outlet section 329, which air outlet section329 is arranged to supply ambient air to the air filter unit 305. Inthis example the air outlet section 329 comprises a tube section with a90° bend between a horizontal inlet and a vertical outlet.Alternatively, the air outlet section can comprise a straight section,wherein the air outlet section 329 can be connected directly to the airfilter using a flexible hose or similar conduit. The function of thewater separating arrangement will be described in connection with FIG.3B below.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional side view through a water separatingarrangement according to the invention. The cross-section is taken in avertical plane through the arrangement shown in FIG. 3. As in FIG. 3A, afirst water separator 310 comprises an outer, first water separatingsection 311 and an inner air intake section 312. The first waterseparating section 311 is connected to the air intake section 312, whichhas a free end 313 extending a predetermined distance into the firstwater separating section 311 in the upstream direction of the air flowF. The first water separating section 311 and the air intake section 312both comprise concentric tubular components. A water draining means 314is provided in the lower portion of the first water separating section311, which water draining means 314 is located adjacent and below thefree end 313 of the air intake section 312. Water is drained through ahose 316 from the water draining means 314 towards a second waterseparating section 328, to be described below, to be removed from thearrangement.

The relative diameters D1, D2 of the free outer portions of the airintake section 312 and the first water separating section 311,respectively, are selected so that water flowing along the walls of theair supply conduit (see FIG. 3A; “303”) into the first water separator310 can flow into the first water separating section 311 withoutcontacting the free outer portion 313 of the air intake section 312. Thefirst water separating section 311 is permanently or detachablyconnected to the air intake section 312 downstream of the free outerportion 313. A connecting joint 315 prevents water from leaking past theconnection, so that water reaching the water separating arrangement byfollowing the walls of the air supply conduit will collect in the lowerportion of first water separating section 311.

The air intake section 312 is joined to a housing 321 that is part ofthe second water separator 320. The housing 321 comprises a first wallsection 322 comprising an upper air inlet 323 and a second wall section319 comprising a lower air outlet 324. In this embodiment, the firstwall section 322 and the second wall section 319 form a combined,continuous wall. A curved wall 325, having a corresponding curvedinternal guide surface 305, connects the top and bottom edges of thefirst and second wall sections 322, 319. The housing is delimited by twofacing side walls 326, 327 (only “327” visible in FIG. 3) connecting therespective side edges of the first wall section 322 with the curved wall325 and its internal guide surface 305. The air flow F is directed fromfirst air supply conduit (see FIG. 3A; “303”) through the air intakesection 312 and the upper air inlet 323 into the housing 321. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axes A1, A2 of the air flow through the airintake section 212 and the air outlet section 229 where they join thehousing 221. The D-shaped cross-section allows the internal guidesurface 305 to redirect a part of the flow of ambient air over an angleα of 180° from the upper air inlet 323 towards the lower air outlet 324.A major part of the airflow will in fact be drawn from the inlet to theoutlet without reaching the internal guide surface, causing waterdroplets to be thrown clear of the air flow as it turns. A second waterseparating section 328 is arranged in at a lower portion 307 of theinternal guide surface 305 of the housing 321 below the lower air outlet324. The lower portion 307 of the internal guide surface has a mainlyplanar cross-section in a vertical plane at right angles to the air flowthrough the lower air outlet 324. The second water separating section328 comprises a draining means 331 in the form of a transverse channelor volume formed by the lower portion 307 of the internal guide surface305 and a lower portion 330 of the first wall section 322. The firstwall section 322 extends a predetermined distance X₂ below the openingof the lower air outlet 324, allowing water to be collected in thetransverse draining means 331. Water can be removed from the waterseparating arrangement through a drainage hole 332 (indicated in dashedlines), which in this example is located in the lower portion 307 of theinternal guide surface 305 of the housing. Alternatively, water can beremoved from the water separating arrangement through a drain 332 a(shown in dashed lines), which in this example is located in the sidewall 326. The air flow F is directed from the housing 321 through thelower air outlet 324 and into the air outlet section 329, which airoutlet section 329 is arranged to supply ambient air to the air filterunit (see FIG. 3A; “305”). In this example the air outlet section 329comprises a tube section with a 90° bend between a horizontal inlet anda vertical outlet. Alternatively, the air outlet section can comprise astraight section. The air outlet section 329 having a diameter D₃ can beconnected directly to the air filter using a flexible hose or similarconduit. The air outlet section 329 diameter D₃ is equal to or greaterthan the diameter D₁ of the air intake section 312. The water separatingarrangement 301 is attached to the vehicle at a number of attachmentpoints 333, 334 (two shown).

In operation, the air flow from the inlet will enter the first waterseparator 310, wherein water flowing along the walls of the air supplyconduit into the first water separator 310 can be removed. The air flowfrom the first water separator 310 will enter the second water separator320 through the horizontal upper air inlet 323 of the housing 321. Waterspray carried by the flow of ambient air will impinge on and adhere tothe internal guide surface 305 and, to a certain extent to the facingside walls 326, 327. Deposited water droplets will flow downwards alongthe walls of the housing 321 towards the draining means 331. Anadvantage of this arrangement is that the redirection of the air flowwill cause the relatively heavier water droplets carried by the air flowto be thrown outwards by the centrifugal force and impinge on theinternal guide surface 305.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the distance between the side wallsections 326, 327 adjacent the air inlet is at least equal to the innerdiameter D1 of the air inlet 323. The cross-sectional shape of an upperportion 306 of the internal guide surface 305, adjacent the air intakesection 312, conforms with the arcuate cross-sectional shape of acorresponding portion of the air intake section 312 in a vertical planethrough the air intake section 312 at right angles to the air flow F.The respective upper portions of the air intake section 312 and theupper air inlet 323 leading into the housing 321 have correspondingcross-sectional shapes in order to provide a smooth transition forminimizing the flow resistance. However, the distance between the sidewall sections 326, 327 adjacent the air outlet is greater than the innerdiameter D3 of the air outlet 324. A lower portion 307 of the internalguide surface 305 has a mainly planar cross-section in a vertical planeat right angles to the air flow. The horizontal extension of the planarcross-section can be substantially up to the distance between the facingside walls 326, 327. This arrangement provides an edge, or barrier,between the side walls and the second wall section in order to preventwater adhering to the side wall sections from being drawn into the airoutlet. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the internal guidesurface 305 changes gradually from a curved or part circular shape atits upper end 306 to a planar shape at its lower end 307 along thecurved extension of the internal guide surface 305. An advantage of thiscross-sectional shape is that the increasing cross-sectional flow areacauses the air flow to slow down marginally, which will contribute tothe release of water droplets from the air flow. A further advantage isthat the changing cross-sectional area of the internal guide surface inthe direction of the outlet will induce turbulence in the air flow atthe same time as the available area for impinging water droplets isincreased.

The subsequent FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5D, 6A-6B and 7A-7B show a number ofnon-limiting examples of possible configurations for the second waterseparating section, as it is not practical to illustrate all thepossible variants and combinations of the claimed invention. Eachexample would be provided with a first water separating section at itsinlet as described in the above text. The numbering used in FIGS. 2A-2Band 3A-3B will be retained in these figures. Also, the angle over whichthe air flow is being redirected is designated “α” throughout.Similarly, the air flow from a source of ambient air is designated F inthe direction described in the text and F′ in the opposite direction.

FIGS. 4A-4D show examples of possible configurations for a second waterseparating section wherein a housing is provided with an air inlet andan air outlet with their respective first and second wall sectionsarranged at various angles.

In FIG. 4A the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 412 a into an air inlet 423 a into a housing 421 a. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 412 a and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section429 a where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 421 a. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 423 a at the point of entry into the housing 421 a. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 422 a. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 424a at the point of exit out of the housing 421 a. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 419 a.

In FIG. 4A, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 422 a and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 419 a. In addition,the first wall section 422 a is arranged at right angles to the secondwall section 419 a. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 are arranged atright angles to each other and the air flow is redirected over an angleα of 90°, in the same way as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. According to theinvention, this angle may be reduced down to 80°. By a suitableadaptation of the housing, the air inlet and the air outlet, the airflow can also be supplied in the opposite direction F′ (outlinedarrows).

In FIG. 4B the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 412 b into an air inlet 423 b into a housing 421 b. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 412 b and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section429 b where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 421 b. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 423 b at the point of entry into the housing 421 b. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 422 b. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 424b at the point of exit out of the housing 421 b. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 419 b.

In FIG. 4B, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 422 b and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 419 b. In addition,the first wall section 422 b is arranged at an angle α relative to thesecond wall section 419 b. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 are arrangedat the same angle relative to each other and the air flow is redirectedover an angle α. In this example, this angle may be selected within therange 80° to 200°. By a suitable adaptation of the housing, the airinlet and the air outlet, the air flow can also be supplied in theopposite direction F′ (outlined arrows).

In FIG. 4C the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 412 c into an air inlet 423 c into a housing 421 c. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 412 c and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section429 c where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 421 c. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 423 c at the point of entry into the housing 421 c. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 422 c. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 424c at the point of exit out of the housing 421 c. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 419 c.

In FIG. 4C, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 422 c and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 419 c. In addition,the first wall section 422 c and the second wall section 419 c arearranged in a common plane at an angle α of 180° to each other, relativeto an axis through the joint between the said walls. As a result, theaxes A1 and A2 are arranged in parallel and the air flow is redirectedover an angle of 180°. By a suitable adaptation of the housing, the airinlet and the air outlet, the air flow can also be supplied in theopposite direction F′ (outlined arrows).

In FIG. 4D the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 412 b into an air inlet 423 b into a housing 421 d. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 412 d and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section429 d where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 421 d. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 423 d at the point of entry into the housing 421 d. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 422 d. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 424d at the point of exit out of the housing 421 d. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 419 d.

In FIG. 4D, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 422 d and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 419 d. In addition,the first wall section 422 d is arranged at an angle α to the secondwall section 419 d. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 are arranged at thesame angle relative to each other and the air flow is redirected over anangle α. In this example, this angle is over 180° and may be selected upto 200°. By a suitable adaptation of the housing, the air inlet and theair outlet, the air flow can also be supplied in the opposite directionF′ (outlined arrows).

FIGS. 5A-5D show examples of possible configurations for a second waterseparating section wherein a housing is provided with an air inlet andan air outlet arranged at various angles.

In FIG. 5A the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 512 a into an air inlet 523 a into a housing 521 a. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 512 a and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section529 a where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 521 a. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 523 a at the point of entry into the housing 521 a. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 522 a. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 524a at the point of exit out of the housing 521 a. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 519 a.

In FIG. 5A, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 522 a and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 519 a. As a result,the axes A1 and A2 are parallel and the air flow is redirected over anangle of 180°, in the same way as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. The FIG. 5schematically indicates the main flow of air through the housing and thedirection of water droplets ejected from the air flow. By a suitableadaptation of the housing, the air inlet and the air outlet, the airflow can also be supplied in the opposite direction F′ (outlinedarrows).

In FIG. 5B the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 512 b into an air inlet 523 b into a housing 521 b. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 512 b and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section529 b where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 521 b. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 523 b at the point of entry into the housing 521 b. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 522 b. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 524b at the point of exit out of the housing 521 b. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 519 b.

In FIG. 5B, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 522 b and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at an angle β to the normal of the second wall section 519 b anddiverging from the first axis A1. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 arearranged at an angle α relative to each other and the air flow isredirected over an angle of 180° minus the angle R. By a suitableadaptation of the housing, the air inlet and the air outlet, the airflow can also be supplied in the opposite direction F′ (outlinedarrows).

In FIG. 5C the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 512 c into an air inlet 523 c into a housing 521 c. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 512 c and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section529 c where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 521 c. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 523 c at the point of entry into the housing 521 c. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 522 c. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 524c at the point of exit out of the housing 521 c. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 519 c.

In FIG. 5C, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at an angle βto the normal of the first wall section 522 c and converging with thesecond central axis A2. The second central axis A2 exits the housing atright angles to the second wall section 519 c. As a result, the axes A1and A2 are arranged at an angle α relative to each other and the airflow is redirected over an angle of 180° minus the angle R. By asuitable adaptation of the housing, the air inlet and the air outlet,the air flow can also be supplied in the opposite direction F′ (outlinedarrows).

In FIG. 5D the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 512 d into an air inlet 523 d into a housing 521 d. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 512 d and the central axis A2 of an air outlet section529 d where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 521 d. The firstaxis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of theair inlet 523 d at the point of entry into the housing 521 d. The pointof entry is defined as the position where the first central axis A1intersects the first wall section 522 d. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 524d at the point of exit out of the housing 521 d. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 519 d.

In FIG. 5D, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at an angle βto the normal of the first wall section 522 d and converging with thesecond central axis A2. The second central axis A2 exits the housing atan angle γ to the normal of the second wall section 519 d and divergingfrom the first central axis A1. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 arearranged at an angle α relative to each other and the air flow isredirected over an angle of 180° minus the sum of the angles β and γ. Bya suitable adaptation of the housing, the air inlet and the air outlet,the air flow can also be supplied in the opposite direction F′ (outlinedarrows).

FIGS. 6A-6B show examples of possible configurations for a second waterseparating section with a housing wherein either of an air inlet and anair outlet with their respective first and second wall sections can bearranged at various angles.

In FIG. 6A the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 612 a into an air inlet 623 a into a housing 621 a. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 612 a and the central axis A2 of a curved air outletsection 629 a where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 621 a.The first axis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the centralaxis of the air inlet 623 a at the point of entry into the housing 621a. The point of entry is defined as the position where the first centralaxis A1 intersects the first wall section 622 a. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 624a at the point of exit out of the housing 621 a. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 619 a.

In FIG. 6A, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at an angle βto the normal of the first wall section 622 a and away from the airoutlet 624 a in the second wall section 619 a. The second central axisA2 exits the housing at right angles to the second wall section 619 a.In addition, the first wall section 622 a is arranged at right angles tothe second wall section 619 a. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 arearranged at an angle α relative to each other and the air flow isredirected over an angle of 90° plus the angle β, in the same way asshown in FIGS. 2A-2B. In this example, it is preferable that the angle βis not increased to the extent that the air flow reaches the lowerportion of the housing 621 a. The figure schematically indicates themain flow of air through the housing and the direction of water dropletsejected from the air flow. By a suitable adaptation of the housing, theair inlet and the air outlet, the air flow can also be supplied in theopposite direction F′ (outlined arrows).

In FIG. 6B the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 612 b into an air inlet 623 b into a housing 621 b. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 612 b and the central axis A2 of a curved air outletsection 629 b where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 621 b.The first axis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the centralaxis of the air inlet 623 b at the point of entry into the housing 621b. The point of entry is defined as the position where the first centralaxis A1 intersects the first wall section 622 b. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 624b at the point of exit out of the housing 621 b. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 619 b.

In FIG. 6B, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 622 b and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 619 b. In addition,the first wall section 622 b is arranged at right angles to the secondwall section 619 b. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 are arranged atright angles to relative to each other and the air flow is redirectedover an angle of 90°. By a suitable adaptation of the housing, the airinlet and the air outlet, the air flow can also be supplied in theopposite direction F′ (outlined arrows).

FIGS. 7A-7B show examples of possible configurations for a second waterseparating section with a housing wherein either of an air inlet and anair outlet with their respective first and second wall sections can bearranged at various angles, as well as in a lower portion of thehousing.

In FIG. 7A the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 712 a into an air inlet 723 a into a housing 721 a. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 712 a and the central axis A2 of a curved air outletsection 729 a where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 721 a.The first axis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the centralaxis of the air inlet 723 a at the point of entry into the housing 721a. The point of entry is defined as the position where the first centralaxis A1 intersects the first wall section 722 a. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 724a at the point of exit out of the housing 721 a. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 719 a. The curved air outlet section 729 a islocated with its air outlet 724 a positioned a predetermined distanceabove a lower surface of the housing 721 a, in order to allow water tobe collected and drained from the housing 721 a.

In FIG. 7A, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at an angle βto the normal of the first wall section 722 a and away from the airoutlet 724 a in the second wall section 719 a.

The second central axis A2 exits the housing at right angles to thesecond wall section 719 a. In addition, the first wall section 722 a isarranged at right angles to the second wall section 719 a. As a result,the axes A1 and A2 are arranged at an angle α relative to each other andthe air flow is redirected over an angle of 90° plus the angle α. TheFIG. 5 schematically indicates the main flow of air through the housingand the direction of water droplets ejected from the air flow. By asuitable adaptation of the housing, the air inlet and the air outlet,the air flow can also be supplied in the opposite direction F′ (outlinedarrows).

In FIG. 7B the air flow F (filled arrow) is directed through an airintake section 712 b into an air inlet 723 b into a housing 721 b. Thehousing has a substantially D-shaped cross-section in a vertical planecoinciding with the central axis A1 of the air flow through the airintake section 712 b and the central axis A2 of a curved air outletsection 729 b where the respective axes A1, A2 join the housing 721 b.The first axis A1 is preferably arranged to coincide with the centralaxis of the air inlet 723 b at the point of entry into the housing 721b. The point of entry is defined as the position where the first centralaxis A1 intersects the first wall section 722 b. The second axis A2 ispreferably arranged to coincide with the central axis of air outlet 724b at the point of exit out of the housing 721 b. The point of exit isdefined as the position where the second central axis A2 intersects thesecond wall section 719 b. The curved air outlet section 729 b islocated with its air outlet 724 b positioned a predetermined distanceabove a lower surface of the housing 721 b, in order to allow water tobe collected and drained from the housing 721 b.

In FIG. 7B, the first central axis A1 enters the housing at right anglesto the first wall section 722 b and the second central axis A2 exits thehousing at right angles to the second wall section 719 b. In addition,the first wall section 722 b is arranged at right angles to the secondwall section 719 b. As a result, the axes A1 and A2 are arranged atright angles to relative to each other and the air flow is redirectedover an angle of 90°. By a suitable adaptation of the housing, the airinlet and the air outlet, the air flow can also be supplied in theopposite direction F′ (outlined arrows).

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of a possible configuration for a secondwater separating section with a housing comprising an air inlet and anair outlet located in a horizontal plane. The examples listed above inFIGS. 4-7, relating to possible angles of wall sections, inlets andoutlets are also applicable to the example in FIGS. 8A-8B.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a second water separating sectionwith an air intake section 812 and an air outlet section 829 joined to ahousing 821. The housing 821 comprises a first wall section 822comprising the air inlet 823 and a second wall section 819 comprising anair outlet 824. In this example, the first wall section 822 and thesecond wall section 819 are arranged at right angles to each other, asshown in FIG. 6B. A curved wall 825, having a corresponding curvedinternal guide surface connects the remote edges of the joined first andsecond wall sections 822, 819. The housing 821 is delimited by twofacing side walls 826, 827 connecting the respective side edges of thefirst and second wall sections 822, 819 with the curved wall 825. Theair flow F is directed through the air intake section 812 and the airinlet 823 into the housing 821. The housing has a substantially D-shapedcross-section as described in connection with FIG. 6A.

The D-shaped cross-section allows the internal guide surface to redirecta part of the flow of ambient air from the air inlet 823 towards the airoutlet 824. A major part of the airflow will be drawn from the inlet tothe outlet without reaching the internal guide surface, causing waterdroplets to be thrown clear of the air flow as it turns. FIG. 8B shows aside view of the second water separating section in FIG. 8A. A secondwater separating section 828 is arranged in the lower portion of thehousing 821 a predetermined distance below the lower periphery of boththe air inlet 823 and the air outlet 824. The lower portion of thehousing 821 is formed by the lower side wall section 827, which isangled downwards towards the first wall section 822. The second waterseparating section 828 comprises a transverse channel formed by thelower portions of the side wall section 827 and the first wall section822.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, theskilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may bemade within the scope of the appended claims. All the above embodimentsand examples may, if suitable, be combined within the scope of theclaims.

1. A water separating arrangement in a vehicle engine air intake mountedbetween a source of air and an engine air filter unit, the waterseparating arrangement comprises: an air intake section configured toreceive a flow of air; a first water separating section configured tosurround at least the lower half of a closed circumference of an outerportion of the air intake section; an air outlet section arrangedseparated from the air intake section to supply air to the air filterunit; a first water drain provided in the lower portion of the firstwater separating section, the first water drain located adjacent andbelow the free end of the air intake section; and a second waterseparating section located between the air intake section and the airoutlet section, the second water separating section comprises a housinghaving: a first wall section with an air inlet connected to the airintake section and directing the air flow into the housing along a firstaxis; and a second wall section with an air outlet connected to the airoutlet section and directing the air flow out of the housing along asecond axis; wherein the second water separating section has a watercollecting portion arranged in a lower part of the housing, apredetermined vertical distance below the air inlet and/or the airoutlet; wherein the first wall section and the second wall section areconnected along a common line; and wherein the first axis and the secondaxis are located angled relative to each other to re-direct the air flowdirection from the air inlet and towards the air outlet over an angle ofat least 80°.
 2. The water separating arrangement of claim 1, whereinthe first water separating section is arranged to surround up to andincluding the entire closed circumference of an outer portion of the airintake section.
 3. The water separating arrangement of claim 1, wherein:a free outer portion of the air intake section extends upstream apredetermined distance into the first water separating section; and thefirst water separating section is connected to the air intake sectiondownstream of the free outer portion.
 4. The water separatingarrangement of claim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis arelocated angled to re-direct the air flow direction between the air inletand the air outlet in order to remove water from the air flow bycentrifugal force.
 5. The water separating arrangement of claim 1,wherein the first wall section is arranged at an angle relative to thesecond wall section the angle is selected in the range from 80° to 200°.6. The water separating arrangement of claim 5, wherein each of thefirst axis and the second axis are located at right angles to a planecoinciding with a respective first wall section and second wall section.7. The water separating arrangement of claim 5, wherein one or both ofthe first axis and the second axis are located at an angle to a planecoinciding with their respective first wall section and second wallsection.
 8. The water separating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the airinlet is connected to the housing at a location above the air outlet. 9.The water separating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the air outlet isconnected to the housing at a location above the air inlet.
 10. Thewater separating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the air outlet and theair inlet are connected to the housing at the same horizontal level. 11.The water separating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the housing furthercomprises a curved surface facing the air inlet and the air outlet andconnecting the first wall section and the second wall section. 12.(canceled)
 13. The water separating arrangement of claim 1, wherein theair intake section comprises a curved conduit upstream of the firstwater separating section.
 14. The water separating arrangement of claim1, wherein the air outlet section comprises a curved conduit downstreamof the air outlet.
 15. A vehicle comprising a water separatingarrangement in a vehicle engine air intake mounted between a source ofair and an engine air filter unit, wherein the water separatingarrangement comprises: an air intake section arranged to receive a flowof air; a first water separating section arranged to surround at leastthe lower half of a closed circumference of an outer portion of the airintake section; an air outlet section separated from the air intakesection to supply air to the air filter unit; a first water drainprovided in the lower portion of the first water separating section, thefirst water drain located adjacent and below the free end of the airintake section; and a second water separating section located betweenthe air intake section and the air outlet section, the second waterseparating section comprises a housing having: a first wall section withan air inlet connected to the air intake section and directing the airflow into the housing along a first axis; and a second wall section withan air outlet connected to the air outlet section and directing the airflow out of the housing along a second axis; wherein the second waterseparating section has a water collecting portion arranged in a lowerpart of the housing, a predetermined vertical distance below the airinlet and/or the air outlet; wherein the first wall section and thesecond wall section are connected along a common line; and wherein thefirst axis and the second axis are located angled relative to each otherto re-direct the air flow direction from the air inlet and towards theair outlet over an angle of at least 80°.